Looking Back Through The Maui News

May 12, 2013

1913 - The Wittrock funeral at Hana was the largest in many years. Natives from miles around paid homage to the man who was one of Hana's foremost citizens since he arrived from Denmark 40 years ago. He was first in the employ of August Unna, who owned the plantation. Later, he was owner of the Hamoa Store under the Reciprocity Plantation. When the plantation ceased, he held many positions of trust under the Monarchy, Provisional Government and the present County Government.

75 Years Ago

1938 - Wailuku's new federal building is expected to be authorized by Congress during the present session. The site favored near the Wailuku courthouse would cost $13,701 for the land and $14,355 for improvements, about two times the amount available.

50 Years Ago

1963 - Frank Sinatra is at Kaanapali playing the piano, warbling an occasional song and mostly playing golf. Harold Mirsch, who will produce the film epic of James Michener's "Hawaii" is also at Kaanapali with an eye out for shooting locations - and playing golf. Both are staying at the Royal Lahaina Beach Hotel.

25 Years Ago

1988 - Mayor Hannibal Tavares objects to the Navy's control of Kahoolawe for military maneuvers and target practice, and he's going to demonstrate his opposition by landing on the island May 23. May 23 is an "access day," one on which the military allows civilians onto a limited portion of the island.

10 Years Ago

2003 - An old family tradition of making mochi and the modern technology of video editing proved to be a winning combination for three Maui High School students. "Mochitsuki Time," a video documentary on a local family practicing the custom of making rice cakes, garnered national honors in the documentary video and best writing categories in the 2003 New Vision Awards sponsored by Panasonic.

* "Looking Back Through The Maui News" is a weekly feature compiled by Gail Ainsworth.